Shearing assembly

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally is a shearing assembly for a viscous product comprising a product inlet flow component, a shearing component, and a housing, said housing arranged to be mounted on the product inlet flow component. The shearing component is enclosed in the housing such that the viscous product is sheared when it flows via the shearing component while the flow of the product is sealed when the shearing component is under the action of a force. Also disclosed is a device comprising said shearing assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/137,617, filed Jun. 12, 2008, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an assemblythat shears a viscous product while delivery as well as effectivelyseals the flow when the product is not under usage.

2. Description of the Related Art

Certain viscous products are difficult to be delivered and applied on asurface evenly as they tend to clump the product while being delivered.Consumer products such as lip gloss, lip balm, lip putty, nail enameletc are examples of viscous products that require to be sheared beforeapplication. General method of delivery of such viscous products isthrough pump or plunger systems or through container/rod systems.However, these are either complex or costly mechanisms. Moreover, as theapplicator is at the other end of the stem of the cap in these systemsthere is an inconvenience during application, unlike the bullet typelipstick which the consumer can hold very close to the point ofapplication thereby easily maintaining very precise control. There havealso been attempts at providing squeeze tubes that have applicatorsattached on the neck of the container. However, these are unable tofulfill the need of shearing of the product before it is delivered.

There have also been attempts at modifying applicators such that theyshear the product for an even application on surface/skin/lips. Forexample, applicators have been made of thin metal wire mesh that applyliquid and simultaneously shear it as well. U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,347 toGueret discloses an applicator that has good properties for thespreading of the product. Also, the application surface of theapplicator nozzle is provided with cavities or grooves for the spreadingto obtain a faster and more homogeneous make-up than with an applicatorbrush. However, the product is sheared after delivery onto theapplicator, while it is desirable that the applicator be supplied with asheared liquid.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,686 to Neuener et al., discloses a dispenser andapplicator for liquid cosmetic material including a rigid, axiallyelongated reservoir tube for holding the cosmetic material, a manuallyoperable driver assembly for exerting pressure on the material withinthe tube, and an applicator tip having a planar woven mesh screenextending across an outlet end opening and molded in the applicator tip.The driver assembly forces the contained material forwardly through thescreen, which the user applies to the lip or eye region of the face, orother selected skin area.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,053 to Wiley relates to a package where fluidmaterial is stored in a reservoir. Rotating a collar with respect to thereservoir advances a piston therein to deliver lip coloring or othermaterial through a valve to a roller mounted on a dispensing head. Thepatent discloses use of a roller head for proper delivery of thick andpasty fluid.

There have also been provided mixers inside the reservoir such that theydeliver the product as a sheared liquid. However, these are generallyused where more than one product is to be dispensed.

Therefore, there still remains a need for an assembly that is simple,cost-effective, easy to manufacture yet providing good shearing actionthereby dispensing a viscous product. Also, there exists an opportunityarea where the applicators used are conventional which most users areaccustomed to using and yet deliver a product that has been shearedwhile the user applies it.

SUMMARY

The present invention generally is an assembly that helps in shearing aviscous product before it is delivered for application.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is also provided anassembly that shears a viscous product while delivery.

According to another embodiment of the invention there is also providedan assembly that effectively seals the flow when the product is notrequired to be used.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the shearing assemblycomprises of a product inlet flow component and a shearing component.The product inlet flow component has an inlet end and an outlet end andboth the ends define an opening for the product to flow through it. Theshearing component may be placed in a housing or any other suitablemeans which is arranged to be mounted on the product inlet flowcomponent.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the shearing componentand the product inlet flow component are arranged to be displaceablewith respect to each other. The shearing component may be placed insidethe housing in such a manner that a force when applied or removed fromthe housing causes the shearing component to be displaced axiallythereby allowing the product either to flow via the shearing componentor to stop the product from flowing thereby sealing the system.Alternatively, the product inlet flow component may be arranged to beaxially displaceable with respect to the shearing component under theaction of a force, thereby allowing either flow of product through theshearing component or stopping of the flow of product.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the shearingassembly may optionally comprise a biasing member. The biasing membermay bias the relative displacement of the shearing component and theproduct inlet flow component. The biasing member may be so arranged tocause displacement of the shearing component with respect to the productinlet flow component when a force is applied or removed from theshearing component. For example, the biasing member may be housed alongwith the shearing component in the housing which is arranged to bemounted on the neck of the product inlet flow component. The biasingmember may include a resilient flexible member and it may comprise acoil spring or like biasing element. According to an alternativeexemplary embodiment, the biasing member may be so arranged to cause theaxial displacement of the product inlet flow component upon eitherapplication or removal of a force.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the shearingassembly may also contain a means for applying force to cause relativedisplacement of the shearing component and the product inlet flowcomponent. The means for application of force on the shearing componentmay be in the form of a cap for the container housing the viscousproduct or could be the housing itself in the form of an on-off collaror dial or any other suitable means. Alternatively, the force may beapplied on the shearing component manually, pneumatically, hydraulicallyor through various other types of mechanisms.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the means forapplying force on the product inlet flow component could be in the formof an on-off collar acting as a toggle switch, a button or any othersuitable means to apply or remove force from the product inlet flowcomponent. Alternatively, the force may be applied on the product inletflow component manually, pneumatically, hydraulically or through variousother types of mechanisms.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the product inletflow component could be a part of the neck of a container itself or itcould be a separate component attached to the neck of the container thathouses the viscous product. The product inlet flow component may be madeof a suitable polymeric material such as polypropylene.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the shearingcomponent may be an integral part of the housing or it could be aseparate component enclosed in the housing.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the shearingcomponent has an inlet end, an outlet end, a sidewall and a plurality offlow tracks. Further, a protrusion extends outwardly from the inlet endof the shearing component. Therefore, when the product enters theshearing component, it is caused to flow through a plurality of tracksthereby shearing it and is then delivered onto the application surface.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the shearingcomponent may also be in the form of a mixer that has suitable ridges ortracks on it which cause the material to get sheared while traveling viait. The shearing component may be made of polypropylene or silicone orany other suitable polymeric material.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the shearingcomponent may also act as a sealing means that closes the opening of theproduct inlet flow component. As a protrusion extends outwardly from theinlet end of the shearing component, when this protrusion is caused tophysically travel and sit on the product inlet flow component, it sealsthe opening of the product inlet flow component for that duration. Thisprovides for a better seal as compared to just surface interference inother sealing methods.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the productinlet flow component of the shearing assembly may fit onto the neck of acontainer or it could be built in the neck of the container. Also, theremay be present an outer body enclosing the said shearing assembly in acontainer. While, the arrangement of the biasing member may be done withrespect to any of the shearing component, the product inlet flowcomponent, the housing or an outer body enclosing the product inlet flowcomponent so as to cause displacement of either the shearing componentor the product inlet flow component with respect to each other.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the housingcomponent may also house the applicator at its free end to which theproduct is supplied via the shearing component.

Independently or in combination with the above, exemplary embodiments ofthe invention provide a device for packaging and dispensing a viscousproduct, for example, a cosmetic, comprising the shearing assembly asdefined above. The device comprises a reservoir wherein said reservoirhas a neck that defines an opening in the form of an orifice, a meansfor closing the reservoir said means comprising a cap, and anapplicator. The device further comprises a housing, and a product inletflow component. The housing houses the shearing component and optionallyhouses a biasing member. The shearing component may also be integral tothe housing. The housing may also house the applicator at its top end towhich the product is supplied through the shearing component.

According to an embodiment of the invention, during operation of thedevice, either the means for closing the reservoir or the housing mayact as a means for application of force onto the shearing component. Themeans for closing the reservoir when in close communication with theneck of the reservoir causes the protrusion in the shearing component toseal the opening of the product inlet flow component under the action ofa force applied manually or by the optional biasing member which isunder force. When the means for closing the reservoir is removed, theshearing component displaces axially upwards which simultaneouslyresults in opening of the orifice due to which when the reservoir isactuated it results in the flow of the product via the shearingcomponent. The reservoir may be actuated by applying force manually i.e.squeezing the reservoir which is in the form of a tube, or through asuitable displacement mechanism such as a piston, plunger, pump or theforce may be applied pneumatically or hydraulically to cause the productto flow.

In an alternative embodiment, the device may comprise a reservoirwherein the product inlet flow component is either an integral part oris fitted onto the reservoir, a means for closing the reservoir saidmeans comprising a cap, and an applicator. The device further comprisesa housing attached to the product inlet flow component. The housinghouses the shearing component. The shearing component may also beintegral to the housing. The housing may also house the applicator atits top end to which the product is supplied through the shearingcomponent. The reservoir and the shearing assembly may optionally behoused in an outer body. The device optionally comprises a biasingmember. During operation of the device, the force may be applied on theproduct inlet flow component to displace it with respect to the shearingcomponent. The means for application or removal of force may be arrangedso as to displace the product inlet flow component thereby resulting inopening of its orifice thereby allowing the product to flow and getsheared while flowing through the shearing component. The protrusion inthe shearing component is caused to seal the opening of the productinlet flow component under the action of a force applied manually or bythe optional biasing member which is under force. When force is removed,the product inlet flow component displaces axially which simultaneouslyresults in opening of the orifice due to which when the reservoir isactuated it results in the flow of the product via the shearingcomponent. The reservoir may be actuated by applying force manually i.e.squeezing the reservoir which is in the form of a tube, or through asuitable displacement mechanism such as a piston, plunger, pump or theforce may be applied pneumatically or hydraulically to cause the productto flow.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention there is providedan assembly which may be used in any delivery system for viscousproducts which enables it to deliver the product evenly and also sealsthe constituents of the delivery system while it is closed.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the shearingassembly helps in the product being stored under good conditions,without risk of leaking, protected from the ambient air without the riskof contamination or degradation of the product, in particular in thecase of a product that is susceptible to oxidation or to microbialcontamination. Various areas where the shearing assembly of the presentinvention could be used are but not limited to products for medication,dermatological fluids, liquid cosmetic material or for microencapsulatedliquid products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentinvention can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the shearing assembly as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shearing component of the shearingassembly as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the shearing component of the shearing assemblyas shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the shearing component of the shearingassembly as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly shown in FIG.2 showing the shearing action of the shearing assembly.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly shown in FIG.2 showing the path of product via the shearing assembly.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the device comprising the shearingassembly according to one embodiment of the present invention showingthe sealing action of the shearing assembly.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the device comprising the shearingassembly according to one embodiment of the present invention showingthe path of product via the shearing assembly.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly shown in FIG.10 showing the product inlet flow component in displaced position.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly according toyet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the shearing assembly shown in FIG.12 showing the housing in a displaced position.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a device comprising the shearingassembly according to another embodiment of the present inventionshowing the sealing action of the shearing assembly.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 14 showingthe shearing action of the shearing assembly.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawingsillustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are thereforenot to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admitto other equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is one embodiment of the present invention showing the shearingassembly.

As represented in FIGS. 1 to 2, the shearing assembly 100 comprises of ahousing 101, a shearing component 102, a biasing member 103 and aproduct inlet flow component 104. The biasing member 103 surrounds theshearing component 102 which is housed in the housing 101. The productinlet flow component 104 could be an integral part of the neck of acontainer itself or it could be a separate component attached to theneck of the container that houses the product. The product inlet flowcomponent 104 has an inlet end 104 a and an outlet end 104 b and boththe ends define an opening for the product to flow through it. Theproduct inlet flow component 104 may be made of polypropylene or anysuitable polymeric material. The housing 101 is arranged to be mountedon the outlet end 104 b of the product inlet flow component 104. Thehousing 101 may also contain an applicator attached at its outlet endand the housing 101 is fitted onto the neck of a container so that it isin fluid communication with the product inlet flow component 104. Thehousing 101 could be made of a suitable polymeric material such aspolypropylene. The biasing member 103 is a resilient flexible member andcould be a coil spring or such biasing element.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the shearing component 102 has an inletend 105 and an outlet end 106, a sidewall 102 a and a plurality of flowtracks 107. Further, a protrusion 108 extends outwardly from the inletend of the shearing component 102. The protrusion 108 keeps the openingof the product inlet flow component 104 sealed when under the action ofa force such as the force of the biasing member 103. The shearingcomponent 102 could also be in the form of a mixer that has ridges on itwhich cause the material to get sheared while traveling through theridges. The shearing component 102 could be made of polypropylene orsilicon or any suitable polymeric material.

When assembled, the biasing member 103 surrounds the extension of theshearing component 102 which are housed inside the housing 101. Thehousing 101 is in turn arranged to be fitted onto the neck of theproduct inlet flow component 104.

During operation, the biasing member 103 biases the shearing component102 to displace in an axial direction with respect to the product inletflow component 104 when a force is applied or removed from it. Asrepresented in FIG. 1, it is seen that when the housing 101 is placedabutting the product inlet flow component 104, the protrusion 108 of theshearing component 102 travels into the opening of the product inletflow component 104 under the action of a force, for example, of thebiasing member 103 in this case. The arrows indicate the direction ofthe force applied by an external means optionally a cap onto the productinlet flow component 104. While as represented in FIGS. 6 and 7, whenthe external force is removed, the housing 101 displaces axially whichresults in simultaneous axial displacement of the shearing component 102due to the relaxation of the biasing member 103. As is shown in FIG. 7,the product is caused to travel via a plurality of flow tracks 107thereby shearing the product.

A device 200 for packaging and dispensing a substance comprising theshearing assembly is illustrated by FIGS. 8 and 9. The device 200comprises a reservoir 207, the shearing assembly as defined above, ameans for closing the reservoir such as a cap 205 and an applicator 206.The reservoir 207 has a neck 208 that defines an opening in the form ofan orifice. The device further comprises an applicator 206, a housing201 to house a shearing component 202 and a biasing member 203. Aproduct inlet flow component 204 is fitted into the neck 208 of thereservoir 207. The housing 201 may house the applicator 206 to which theproduct is supplied through the shearing component 202. The shearingassembly may be mounted on or in an outlet opening of the device so thatthere is no possibility of product leaking around the assembly orcontamination entering into the connection between the assembly and thereservoir. As shown in FIG. 8, the cap 205 is screwed onto the neck 208of the reservoir 207 by way of complimentary threads 209 and 210 on theneck 208 of the reservoir 207 and the cap 205 respectively. Duringoperation, means for closing the reservoir such as the cap 205 when inclose communication with the neck 208 of the reservoir 207 causes thebiasing member 203 such as a spring to be in compressed state which inturn causes the protrusion 211 of the shearing component 202 to travelinside and thereby seal the opening of the product inlet flow component204 under the action of the force of the cap 205. While as representedin FIG. 9, when the external force or the means for closing thereservoir such as the cap 205 is removed, the housing 201 displacesaxially which results in simultaneous axial displacement of theprotrusion 211 of the shearing component 202 as the biasing member 203is now in relaxed state.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are representing the shearing assembly 100 according toanother embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment thebiasing member 102 is arranged to cause displacement of the productinlet flow component 104 with respect to the shearing component 103. Thebiasing member 102 surrounds the product inlet flow component 104. As isshown in FIG. 11, a force, when applied on the product inlet flowcomponent 104, causes it to be axially displaced thereby allowing flowof product through the shearing component 103. The arrows indicate thedirection of the force applied by an external means onto the productinlet flow component 104. While as represented in FIG. 10, when there isno external force, the outlet end 104 b of the product inlet flowcomponent 104 is abutting the protrusion 108 of the shearing component103 thus, sealing the outlet end 104 b of the product inlet flowcomponent 104 which simultaneously results in sealing of the flow ofproduct.

FIG. 12 illustrates the shearing assembly 100 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the biasingmember 102 is arranged to cause displacement of the housing 101 andthereby the shearing component 103 with respect to the product inletflow component 104. As represented in FIGS. 12 and 13, the biasingmember 102 surrounds the housing 101 such that when a force is appliedon the housing 101, it causes the shearing component 103 to be displacedalong with the housing 101 with respect to the product inlet flowcomponent 104, thereby allowing flow of product through the shearingcomponent 103. The arrows indicate the direction of the force applied byan external means onto the housing 101.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a device 300 comprising the shearing assembly100. The FIGS. 14 and 15 show an exemplary arrangement where axialdisplacement of the product inlet flow component 304 occurs with respectto the shearing component 302. The product inlet flow component 304 isarranged to be fitted inside the neck of a reservoir 305 while thereservoir 305 is arranged to be contained in an outer body 307. Theouter body 307 is designed to hold the housing 301 in place so as tomake it stationary with respect to the reservoir 305. Further, a biasingmember 303 is placed around the neck of the reservoir 305 and is held inplace by a flange like protrusion 306 in the reservoir body. Asrepresented by FIG. 15, a force when applied on the reservoir 305,causes the reservoir 305 to be displaced with the help of the biasingmember 303, thereby resulting in the opening of the orifice of theproduct inlet flow component 304 which allows the product to flowthrough the shearing component 302 while being sheared at the same time.The arrows indicate the direction of the force applied by an externalmeans onto the reservoir 305.

The shearing assembly of the present invention may be put to use forproducts that are viscous and require to be sheared before beingdelivered and applied. The assembly also provides for sealing of theproduct thereby keeping the product under good conditions, without riskof leaking, protected from the ambient air without the risk ofcontamination or degradation of the product, in particular when theproduct is susceptible to oxidation or to microbial contamination.

Although the above description and drawings show the housing, theshearing component, the product inlet flow component, the reservoir andthe outer body being cylindrical, the shapes and profile cross sectionthereof are not limited to the same.

Various examples of the products where the shearing assembly of thepresent invention could be put to use are liquid, semi liquid or pastylip or eye cosmetic products especially lip gloss, lip balm, lip putty,lip plumping gel, cream eye shadow, under-eye cream, under-eye repaircream, foundation, concealer, blemish concealer, cheek plumping gel orcream, cream and moisturizer, nail enamel, temporary hair colors, hairstyling gel, glitter, hair mousse, hair repair cream, exfoliant andhydrating cream, correction cream, acne treatment cream, skin treatmentcream, hair repair cream, anti-dandruff cream, teeth whitening gel.

Thus, shearing assembly 100 provides for a simplified, inexpensive, andefficient device that achieves shearing of the product as well assealing of the delivery systems storing viscous products.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow. Accordingly, the appended claimsshould be construed to encompass not only those forms and embodiments ofthe invention specifically described above, but to such other forms andembodiments as may be devised by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from its true spirit and scope.

1. A shearing assembly for a product comprising: a product inlet flowcomponent, said product inlet flow component having an inlet end and anoutlet end wherein the inlet end and the outlet end define an openingthat allows the product to flow through it; a shearing component, and ahousing, said housing arranged to be in fluid communication with theproduct inlet flow component wherein the product is sheared when itflows via the shearing component.
 2. The shearing assembly according toclaim 1 wherein the shearing component has an inlet end, an outlet end,a sidewall and a plurality of flow tracks and wherein a protrusionextends outwardly from the inlet end of the shearing component.
 3. Theshearing assembly according to claim 2 wherein the shearing component isan integral part of the housing.
 4. The shearing assembly according toclaim 3 wherein the shearing component and the product inlet flowcomponent are arranged to be displaceable with respect to each other. 5.The shearing assembly according to claim 4 wherein the shearingcomponent displaces in an axial direction with respect to the productinlet flow component when a force is applied or removed from it, andwherein the product is sheared while it flows via the plurality of flowtracks in the shearing component.
 6. The shearing assembly according toclaim 4 wherein product inlet flow component displaces in an axialdirection with respect to the shearing component when a force is appliedor removed from it, and wherein the product is sheared while it flowsvia the plurality of flow tracks in the shearing component.
 7. Theshearing assembly according to claim 4 wherein the flow of the productis sealed when the shearing component and the product inlet flowcomponent are caused to be placed abutting each other.
 8. The shearingassembly according to claim 7 wherein the sealing of the flow of theproduct occurs when the extended protrusion of the shearing component iscaused to travel into the opening of the product inlet flow component byapplication or removal of force thereby sealing the opening of theproduct inlet flow component.
 9. The shearing assembly according toclaim 8 comprising an applicator in the housing to which the product issupplied via the shearing component.
 10. The shearing assembly accordingto claim 9 comprising a biasing member wherein the biasing member biasesthe relative axial displacement of the shearing component and theproduct inlet flow component under the action of a force.
 11. Theshearing assembly according to claim 10 wherein the biasing member ishoused in the housing with the shearing component and it biases theshearing component to move in an axial direction with respect to theproduct inlet flow component when a force is applied or removed from it.12. The shearing assembly according to claim 10 wherein the biasingmember biases the displacement of the product inlet flow component whena force is applied or removed from it.
 13. The shearing assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein said shearing component shears viscousproducts, said viscous products comprising at least one of medicationfluids, dermatological fluids, liquid cosmetic material,microencapsulated liquid products, lip gloss, lip balm, lip putty, lipplumping gel, cream eye shadow, under-eye cream, under-eye repair cream,foundation, concealer, blemish concealer, cheek plumping gel or cream,cream and moisturizer, nail enamel, temporary hair colors, hair stylinggel, glitter, hair mousse, hair repair cream, exfoliant and hydratingcream, correction cream, acne treatment cream, skin treatment cream,hair repair cream, anti-dandruff cream or teeth whitening gel.
 14. Adevice for packaging and dispensing a product comprising: a reservoirwherein said reservoir has a neck that defines an opening in the form ofan orifice; a means for closing the reservoir, said means comprising acap; a shearing assembly arranged to be mounted onto the neck of thereservoir; wherein said shearing assembly comprises a product inlet flowcomponent a shearing component; a housing, said housing arranged to bein fluid communication with the product inlet flow component wherein theproduct inlet flow component is arranged to be mounted in the opening ofthe neck of the reservoir wherein the product is sheared when it flowsvia the shearing component; and an applicator, said applicator housed inthe housing of the shearing assembly
 15. The device according to claim14 wherein the shearing component and the product inlet flow componentof the shearing assembly are arranged to be displaceable with respect toeach other.
 16. The device according to claim 15 wherein the shearingcomponent has an inlet end, an outlet end, a sidewall and a plurality offlow tracks and wherein a protrusion extends outwardly from the inletend of the shearing component.
 17. The device according to claim 16wherein a force applied on the reservoir causes displacement of theproduct inlet flow component with respect to the shearing componentresulting in flow of the product or sealing of product flow.
 18. Thedevice according to claim 17 wherein the flow of the product is sealedwhen the shearing component and the product inlet flow component arecaused to be placed abutting each other.
 19. The device according toclaim 16 wherein the means for closing the reservoir when in closecommunication with the neck of the reservoir causes the protrusion inthe shearing component to seal the orifice of the reservoir.
 20. Thedevice according to claim 19 wherein the means for closing the reservoirwhen removed causes the displacement of the shearing component withrespect to the product inlet flow component which results in opening ofthe orifice of the reservoir due to which when the reservoir is actuatedit results in the flow of the product via the shearing component.
 21. Adevice for packaging and dispensing a product according to claim 14wherein the product comprises at least one of medication fluids,dermatological fluids, liquid cosmetic material, microencapsulatedliquid products, lip gloss, lip balm, lip putty, lip plumping gel, creameye shadow, under-eye cream, under-eye repair cream, foundation,concealer, blemish concealer, cheek plumping gel or cream, cream andmoisturizer, nail enamel, temporary hair colors, hair styling gel,glitter, hair mousse, hair repair cream, exfoliant and hydrating cream,correction cream, acne treatment cream, skin treatment cream, hairrepair cream, anti-dandruff cream or teeth whitening gel.
 22. A shearingassembly for a product comprising: a product inlet flow component, saidproduct inlet flow component having an inlet end and an outlet endwherein the inlet and the outlet end defines an opening that allows forthe product to flow through it; a shearing component wherein theshearing component has an inlet end, an outlet end, a sidewall and aplurality of flow tracks and wherein a protrusion extends outwardly fromthe inlet end of the shearing component; a housing, said housingarranged to be in fluid communication with the product inlet flowcomponent, wherein said shearing component is enclosed in the housingsuch that the product is sheared when it flows via the shearingcomponent and the shearing component seals the flow of product uponapplication or removal of a force, wherein application or removal of aforce causes displacement of the shearing component with respect to theproduct inlet flow component, wherein the product is sheared while itflows via the plurality of flow tracks in the shearing component andwherein the product flow is sealed by the protrusion of the shearingcomponent; optionally comprising an applicator in the housing to whichthe product is supplied via the shearing component; and optionallycomprising a biasing member wherein the biasing member biases therelative axial displacement of the shearing component and the productinlet flow component under the action of a force.
 23. A device forpackaging and dispensing a product comprising: a reservoir wherein saidreservoir has a neck that defines an opening in the form of an orifice;a means for closing the reservoir, said means comprising a cap; ashearing assembly arranged to be mounted onto the neck of the reservoirwherein said shearing assembly comprises: a product inlet flowcomponent; a shearing component, wherein the shearing component has aninlet end, an outlet end, a sidewall and a plurality of flow tracks andwherein a protrusion extends outwardly from the inlet end of theshearing component; and a housing, said housing arranged to be in fluidcommunication with the product inlet flow component wherein the productinlet flow component is arranged to be mounted in the opening of theneck of the reservoir and wherein the shearing component is enclosed inthe housing such that the product is sheared when it flows via theshearing component, wherein the shearing component and the product inletflow component of the shearing assembly are arranged to be displaceablewith respect to each other; and an applicator, said applicator housed inthe housing of the shearing assembly, wherein application or removal ofa force causes displacement of the product inlet flow component withrespect to the shearing component resulting in flow of the product orsealing of product flow, wherein the means for application of force is acap of the device, the housing or the reservoir; a biasing memberwherein the biasing member biases the relative axial movement of theshearing component and the product inlet flow component under the actionof a force, wherein the means for closing the reservoir when in closecommunication with the neck of the reservoir causes the protrusion inthe shearing component to seal the orifice of the product inlet flowcomponent.